Tailored Tour

Specially tailored tour packages

Delhi – Leh Jeep tour via Manali, Markha valley trek, River Rafting, Tour of important places of Ladakh, visit to oracle lady, local house visit, etc.

Day 1. Delhi – Manali (Stay in a hotel in Manali)

From Delhi catch a connecting flight to Kullu in order to avoid 14-15 hours of road journey. From Kullu airport you will be driven to Manali for 40 minutes in the vehicles waiting for you. On arrive in Manali check in hotel where you stay overnight. After lunch you may go to see Hidimba temple, Vashisht Bath, and viewpoints in Manali. Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
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You will be driven as early as possible to Manali in a comfortable car. Lunch will be taken enroute. On arrival in Manali transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Distance of about 560 kms will be covered in about 14-15 hrs.

Day 2. Manali to Sarchu (Overnight in camp)

Today you will be driven for around 9-10 hours (264 kms) in order to reach our camp in Sarchu (Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh border). On the way we will stop at Rohtang Pass (3978 m) and Baralacha la Pass (4891 m). At Baralacha la, which means “a pass with cross roads,” the roads from Ladakh, Zanskar, Lahaul and Spiti intersect. Spectacular views won’t let you tired as every time you will witness new things. Dinner and overnight in tents at Sarchu.

Day 3. Sarchu – Tsomoriri lake (Overnight in camp)

After Breakfast we will leave for Tsomoriri lake (the most beautiful lake of Ladakh). Today we will cover around 200 kms. On the way we will see Tsokar lake also which is known as the salt lake. We will also have chance not only to see nomads, wild animals like Marmots, wild ass, black neck crane, etc. but also to see a sulphur mine, hot spring fountain in Puga valley. Moreover one remains stunned at seeing Tsomoriri lake at first seight. We will arrive at Tsomoriri in the evening and stay overnight in a tented camp at an altitude of 4500mts. 

Day 4. Tsomoriri – Leh (overnight in hotel)

After breakfast we will gear up for our journey to Leh (capital of the region/225 kms away). On the way we will again have chance to come across the wild animals, nomads and no doubt beautiful landscapes and villages. Hot spring at Chhumathang is considered as medicinal water where locals come for cure for many diseases.

Day 5. Thiksey, Hemis, Chemdrey and Taktok monastery (Overnight in hotel)

Today after early tea/coffee, we are driven to Thiksey monastery located situated on a hill-lock, which also houses a stucco statue of Maitreya Buddha, upon arrival we witness the monks gathered in the assembly hall for the morning prayer ceremony, which begins before sunrise at 0600hrs, we hear the monks chant their prayers with the beats, after that and visiting the chaples we will have our packed breakfast, followed with a drive to visit Hemis monastery another 30 kilometers southwest of Thiksey; Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Hemis festival is considered amongst the biggest and most famous of the monastic festivals, and is dedicated to Padmasambhava. Every 12 years, the gompa’s (monastery) greatest treasures, a huge Thangka, is ritually exhibited. After that, we drive towards the north, bifurcating the main highway to visit Chemdrey and Taktok monastery spectacularly on a hilltop. We then continue to drive back to Leh.

Day 6. Likir, Alchi, Nunery and Rizong monastery (Over night in Ule tokpo camp)

Today after early tea/coffee, we are driven to Thiksey monastery located situated on a hill-lock, which also houses a stucco statue of Maitreya Buddha, upon arrival we witness the monks gathered in the assembly hall for the morning prayer ceremony, which begins before sunrise at 0600hrs, we hear the monks chant their prayers with the beats, after that and visiting the chaples we will have our packed breakfast, followed with a drive to visit Hemis monastery another 30 kilometers southwest of Thiksey; Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Hemis festival is considered amongst the biggest and most famous of the monastic festivals, and is dedicated to Padmasambhava. Every 12 years, the gompa’s (monastery) greatest treasures, a huge Thangka, is ritually exhibited. After that, we drive towards the north, bifurcating the main highway to visit Chemdrey and Taktok monastery spectacularly on a hilltop. We then continue to drive back to Leh.

Day 7. Lamayuru, Dha (drive back to Leh and overnight in hotel)

We will drive further west towards Lamayuru monastery where the landscape is breath taking. Lamayuru is also known as the moon land due to its magnificent surroundings. Old cave of Naropa and other chaple can be seen here in Lamayuru monsatery. This monastery follows the order of Drigung Kagyu sect of Budhism and there are around 200 monks in this monastery. After seeing Lamayuru will drive back for few kilometers to meet Indus we left when we took the main highway to Lamayuru. From there we will drive on the other side of the Indus towards Dha village (home to the Aryan race people also believed to be Alexander’s one of the lost platoon’s descendents) where Indus becomes mightier. The natives here have different physical features, culture, tradition, language, etc. in comparison to other Ladakhis and this region is very productive in growing different kinds of vegetables, fruits and flowers.

The Markha valley trek is the most frequently visited trek in Ladakh for many reasons – endangered and rare Himalayan wildlife, high passes and remote Buddhist villages that are still linked to the outside world only by trails. You will get glimpses of traditional, Ladakhi village life and be met by hospitability and friendliness along the way, before entering into the rough wilderness that surrounds the two high passes on the trek.

Day 8: Spituk – Rumbak (4-5 hours)

We will leave for Zingchen by jeep in the morning, following the Indus River to our right. On reaching Zingchen we meet our ponyman and load our gears on the ponies and hike though a narrow gorge towards Rumbak, entering Hemis National Park, home to the famous Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Ladakhi Urial (a type of goat), great Tibetan sheep (Arghali), red fox, Tibetan wolf, wild dog (dhole), Lynx, marmot and mountain hare. Just before reaching our campsite at Rumbak (4000m), we stop at a teahouse run by women from the village. Rumbak is known as a place to see and do research on the Himalayan snow leopard.

Day 9: Zingchen – Ganda La base (3 hours)

From Rumbak we will climb gradually toward the one house village of Yurutse, before reaching camp at the base of Ganda La (4545m). From our campsite there are good views of Stok Kangri and the whole Stok range. This is an essential day to acclimatize before crossing our first pass Gandala.

Day 10: Ganda La base – Skiu via Ganda La (5-6 hours)

It is a 2-hour ascent to the pass of Ganda La (4900m). A Chorten and prayer flags mark the top of the pass, where one may see blue sheep and marmots around the hills. Views of the lofty Zanskar Range and the distant Himalaya Range are spectacular. A gradual descent will bring us to Shingo before finishing the day by hiking through a colorful rock formation gorge before making camp at Skiu (3300m). In this idyllic village lies an old monastery and ruins of an old castle, once a rest stop for the Royal family on their way to Srinagar.

Day 11: Skiu – Markha (7-8 hours)

Following the Markha River, we will hike through the lovely valley on a fairly level path. The trail crosses the river at various points, and passes winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). During peak season a number of tented teahouses will be open for refreshment. Markha (3800m) is the largest village in the valley, consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort.

Day 12: Markha – Thachungtse (5-6 hours)

The Markha valley trail continues past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which proudly perches upon a cliff that looms above Markha. After leaving the village of Umlung, we will get our first view of mighty Mt. Kang Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. Our campsite for tonight will be the lovely green pasture of Thachungste (4100m).

Day 13: Thachungtse – Nimaling (3-4 hours)

Today we will huff and puff our way up to Nimaling, where the people of Markha Valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4600m, Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek, giving us spectacular views of the snowy peak of Kang Yatse and Zanskar range.

Day 14: Nimaling – Shangsumdo via Kongmaru La (6-7 hours)

Reaching Kongmaru La (5200m), the highest pass on the trek, we will have a wonderful view of the Indus Valley and the Karakoram Range. The descent is quite steep, but will gradually level out as we enter Shang Gorge, with its fascinating rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors).

Day 15: Shangsumdo – Leh via Martselang

A pleasant 2-hour walk along a jeep road will bring us to Martselang where the jeep will pick us up and drive to Leh (1 hr).

Day 16. Leh – Nubra valley (Overnight in camp)

The Nubra Valley means Ldumra (the valley of flowers), situated in the north of Leh. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above the sea level. The main attraction in this area is Bactarian Camels (Shaggy double hump Camel) around sand dunes, Deskit & Samstanling monasteries, Nubra and Shayok Rivers, and Khardung la Pass.

After breakfast, we will drive towards Nubra valley for which we have to go through the highest motor able road in the world which is well known as Khardungla pass (18380 feet above sea level). This is often an achievement for many people who specially come to experience this pass. We will be carrying pack lunch today and will have our lunch on the way or on arrival at the camp at Hunder as time permits. We will then visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries on same day. We will stop at the sand dunes and you can have camel ride. This place is combination of sand, greenery, mountain and the river. The camels are two humped (Bactrian camels). Overnight in camp.

Day 17. Nubra valley – Leh

Today, we will drive towards the other side of the valley to visit Samstanling monastery (home to the new reincarnation of Bakula Rinpochhe, the head most Rinpochhe of Ladakh) following which will drive back to Leh. (Overnight in hotel)

Day 18. River rafting in Indus

Post breakfast drive to Phey (45 min) and enjoy River rafting from Phey to Nimu followed by packed lunch. Drive to Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. Gurudwara Patthar Sahib Nestled deep in the Himalayas, about 25 km from the town of Leh, which was built by the Lamas of Leh in 1517 to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev. It was run by them for over four centuries. Currently, the Army is looking after it.

Day 19. Oracle lady, local house visit and dressing up in local traditional dress, Shanti stupa for sun set.

Today will be a relaxed day as we will first visit the shamon (oracle lady) in the morning in the town only. You can ask any type of question related to your health, family, business affair and fortune etc. to the oracle lady. Many locals still comes here for the cure of many diseases and to know their fortune. Then we will go to visit local house. You can dress up yourselves in Ladakhi traditional dress, take photos and see the Ladakhi traditional kitchen, household’s prayer room, etc. Then in the evening we will go to Shati Stupa (Japanese Stupa and monastery) for sun set as the sunset is really very nice and one can have panoramic view of Leh. (Overnight in hotel)

Day 20. Leh – Delhi flight (over night in hotel)

Since the flight from Leh to Delhi is early in the morning you will have full day in Delhi and may visit some important monuments like, Kutub minar (this magnificent structure in the southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King, Kutab-ud-din Aibak in 1199 AD. Part of it that could not be finished was completed by another Muslim king Iltutmish. In 1368, Feroz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the top storeys and added a cupola. An earthquake brought the cupola down in 1803 and an Englishman replaced it with another in 1829 but was removed some years later. Minar (tower) is 72.5 metres high and tapers from 15 meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meter at the top. The tower has given distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone.

At the foot of the Qutab Minar stands the first mosque to be built in India, the might of Islam Mosque. Qutab-ud-din began construction of the mosque in 1193, but it has number of additions and extensions during the years.), Red fort (Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the masterpiece of Red Fort has the distinction of being chosen as a site from where the prime minister of India addresses the nation on the Independence Day. Popularly known as Lal Quila, the grand and imposing fort is today a regular haunt of tourists from all parts of the world. The unparalleled architecture is testimony to the grandness of supremacy of Mughal empire in India. The complex houses Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, the Moti Masjid, the Shahi Burj etc. The fort stands as dignified and grandiose as it did centuries ago), Jama masjid (The country’s largest mosque where thousands of Muslims offer prayers every day. It was built in 1656. It lies opposed the Red Fort. The eastern gateway was originally only opened for the emperor, and is now only open on Fridays and Muslim festival days.), India Gate (the 42 metre high, free standing arch, popularly known as India Gate, was designed by Lutyens and built in 1911. It was originally called All India War Memorial in memory of the 90,000 Soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the soldiers are inscribed all along the walls of the arch. In1971, an eternal flame was lit here to honour the Amar Jawan (immortal soldiers), National museum, etc.

Day 21. Depart Delhi for home

Tours of important places in Ladakh, River Rafting, Markha valley trek, Local house visit, tour from Leh to Delhi via Manali.

Day 01 

Delhi – Leh (flight)

Day 02 

Thiksey, Hemis, Chemdrey and Taktok monastery (Overnight in hotel)

Day 03 

Oracle lady, Likir, Alchi, Nunery and Rizong monastery (Over night in Ule tokpo camp)

Day 04  

Lamayuru, Dha (drive back to Leh and overnight in hotel)

Day 05 

Leh – Nubra valley

Day 06 

Nubra valley – Leh

Day 07 

Markha valley trek

Day 08 

After packing camp, we raft 20 km to Nyerak, a Class III section. The gorge narrows in on the river – this indeed is a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village. 

Day 09 

Today’s 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru, through the core of the Zanskar A classic white water day with continuous Class III rapids, and a few Class IV rapid where the river squeezes between a gap of about 18ft. We stop for lunch near a huge waterfall at the confluence of Markha river with Zanskar. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today. Camp at Lamaguru. 

Day 10 

Day hike to Kaya and Skiu. Return to camp by late afternoon. (4-5hrs). Camp at Lamaguru. 

Day 11 

We raft 40 kms of Class III/IV white water from Lamaguru to Nimu today.We make camp short of Nimu,the confluence of the Zanskar with the Indus river. 

Day 12 

Raft approximately 25 km from Nimu to finish the trip at Alchi through Class III / IV rapids. Afterending the trip at Alchi, we walk up to the centuries old monastery to view the beautiful frescoes and wood carvings. Drive back 60 km to Leh and check into hotel. 

Day 13 

Leh. Reserved day for shopping, sightseeing etc. 

Day 14 

(do) Overnight in Leh

Day 15 

local house visit, Shanti Stupa for sun set (overnight in Leh)

Day 16 

River rafting in Indus and visit Gurudwra Pattharshahib.

Day 17

Leh – Tsomoriri lake

Day 18

Tsomoriri – Sarchu

Day 19

Sarchu – Manali

Day 20

Manali – Delhi (Overnight in Hotel)

Day 21

Depart Delhi for home

1st August:  

Delhi to Leh by flight (full day rest as doing some activity can cause high altitude sickness). Please follow the instructions to make you trip a success (Overnight in hotel).

2nd August:  

Shey palace, thiksay (morning prayer at Thiksay monastery is very nice as all the monks gather and chant hyms blowing and beating religious instruments ) & hemis monasteries (richest & biggest monastery in Ladakh).

3rd August: . Leh – likir – Alchi – Lamayuru (over night at Ule tokpo camp).  

On the second day we will drive west of Leh. We will first visit Likir monastery (around 50 kms from Leh). Likir monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh where the order of Gelukpa sect (yellow hats) of Budhism is being followed. There is a four storey statue of the Future Buddha, an old museum and different chapels to be seen. On special permission we can also visit the monastery school for kid monks also. On the way to Likir we will see the magnetic hill, mighty Indus and Zanskar rivers’ confluence and Basgo castle from the road only. According to time and place we will halt for a picnic lunch (pack lunch). After Likir monastery we will further drive towards Alchi monastery (oldest monastery of Ladakh). This monastery was founded by a monk called Lama Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo in 11th century A.D. This monastery is well known for its fine art of wall paintings and is peculiar of having the influence of Indian Tradition. Big clay statues of different Buddhas, fascinating wall paintings, stupas and beautiful art are really worth seeing. It is one of the few monasteries that are built on ground level. We will then drive firther west towards Lamayuru monastery where the landscape is breath taking. Old cave of Naropa and other chaple can be seen here. This monastery follows the order of Drigung Kagyu sect of Budhism and there are around 200 monks in this monastery. We will then drive for 30 minutes towards our camp site. This camp is the most beautiful camp site in Ladakh. It is surrounded by trees, mountain chain and the Indus.

4th August: Ule Tokpo – Nunery – Rizong Monastery- Leh

After breakfast, we will walk to the nunnery and Rizong monastery which are on the same route. At nunery and Rizong monastery we can not only see the different chaples but also the school for the little monks and nuns, their way of living, old kitchens, etc. This walk will be of 4-5 hours (including visits to the nunnery and the monastery) in a narrow valley. A stream flows down the valley. We can then have hot lunch at the camp and then drive towards Leh and check in the Hotel. If you wish we can visit either castle of Basgo or Spituk monastery on the way back to Leh. (Overnight in hotel)

5th August: Leh – Pangong lake – Leh.

We have to leave little early today and will carry our pack lunch along. This lake is on the Indo-China border and is the biggest lake in Ladakh which freezes in winter and becomes a big field where one can walk or drive over. We will be back to Leh by late afternoon or in the evening depending on time you take at the lake and while travelling. (Overnight in hotel)

6th August: River rafting in Indus   

Rafting in Indus River is really a great experience. The currents are not very rapid. So, people of almost all age groups do this activity. There are some splashes which are really nice. You will be provided the costume, rafting guide and a nice raft. The guide would instruct you timely. Imagine yourself between the mountains rafting in Indus River. (Overnight in hotel)

7th August:  

Leh -Nubra valley via khardungla pass, 18380 feet “highest motorable road in the world”.
The Nubra Valley means Ldumra (the valley of flowers), situated in the north of Leh. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above the sea level. The main attraction in this area is Bactarian Camels (Shaggy double hump Camel) around sand dunes, Deskit & Samstanling monasteries, Nubra and Shayok Rivers, and Khardung la Pass.

After breakfast, we will drive towards Nubra valley for which we have to go through the highest motor able road in the world which is well known as Khardungla pass (18380 feet above sea level). This is often an achievement for many people who specially come to experience this pass. We will be carrying pack lunch today and will have our lunch on the way or on arrival at the camp at Hunder as time permits. We will then visit Hunder and Diskit monasteries on same day. We will stop at the sand dunes and you can have camel ride. This place is combination of sand, greenery, mountain and the river. The camels are two humped (Bactrian camels). Overnight in camp.

8th August:  

Visit hot spring at Panamik village, Sumur monastery and drive back to Leh.
Today, we will drive towards the other side of the valley to see the hot spring at Panamik. You can take shower here as there are basic bath rooms built here. We will then go to Samstanling monastery following which will drive back to Leh. (Overnight in hotel)

9th August:

Visit Oracle Lady/Shamon-Stok Palace and museum- Local home visit-Shanti Stupa.
Today we will visit the shamon (oracle lady) first. You can ask any type of question related to your health, family, business affair and fortune etc. to the oracle lady. Many locals still comes here for the cure of many diseases and to know their fortune. We will then go to Stok village to see Stok palace and museum. Have packed lunch under the tree shade. Then we will go to my home (local house). You can dress up yourselves in Ladakhi traditional dress, take photos and see the Ladakhi traditional kitchen, household’s prayer room, etc. Then in the evening we will go to Shati Stupa (Japanese Stupa and monastery) for sun set as the sunset is really very nice and one can have panoramic view of Leh. (Overnight in hotel)

10th August:   

Leh to Tsomo riri lake (the most beautiful lake in ladakh)
While driving towards tsomoriri lake you can see nomads who still live in tents & their occupation being rearing goats, sheeps and yaks and sells wool, dry cheese, meat & butter. You can see how they live. You will be carrying pack lunch today. Apart from that you can see some wild animals and birds near the lake. Hot spring at Chhumathang village is very popular which you can visit after having a tea halt at the local restaurant. After reaching the camp site & having tea & snacks you can visit the monastery & korzok village (who were once nomads) by walk. (Overnight in camp)

11th August:    

Tsomo riri lake to Leh via Tsokar lake, taglangla pass.
After an early breakfast you will be driven towards tsokar lake (the salt lake of Ladakh). On the way while in Puga valley you will experience old sulphur mining area and hot spring at a distance. Driving further would let us chance to see rare species like Wild Ass & endangered black neck crane (if they are roaming around & if we are lucky enough). And when you will be in front of the lake, you can have a walk to see the salt lake at closest. After that you will be driving by Thukje village and then will join the Leh-Manali road. You will then experience the world’s second highest motorable road “Taglangla pass”. When you decent the pass, the landscape begins to change a bit but the rock formations are very nice. On arrival in Leh, you will be transferred to the Hotel Spic N Span.

12th August:    

Leh-Del early morning flight.